Pine Nut Road Highlights

A Short road off of Mormon Well road located in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge that climbs from the valley floor into the pines at the top and ends with a great campground. One of the camp sites has a nice view of the desert below. There are multiple weather stations to explore. Plenty of hiking options from the campground, including a trail to Sheep Peak.

Technical rating: (1-3) Easy

Dirt road. Rutted, washes, or gulches. Water crossings up to 6" depth. Passable mud. Grades up to 10 degrees. Small rocks or holes. 4WD recommended but 2WD possible under good conditions and with adequate ground clearance and skill. No width problems for any normal vehicle. Vehicle passing spots frequently available if less than two vehicles wide.

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Directions to Trailhead

Take US 95 North from Las Vegas to Corn Creek Road. Turn right/east on Corn Creek Road. A visitor center is approximately 4.8 miles from US 95. This is a good place to air down, use the restroom and look at the maps. Near the sign/map is a place to register informing the park staff you are entering the refuge for the day. From there, follow Mormon Well Road for approximately 15.1 miles. The turn to Pine Nut Road is on the left/west side of the road. It is marked with a visible sign.

Trailhead GPS Coordinates:

36° 30' 5.72"N115° 9' 54.77"W

Topo Maps:

GPS Exchange File:

Route Description

Pine Nut Road is located in the Desert National Wildlife Range just off the Mormon Well Road. The length of the trail is approximately 12 miles roundtrip. 2 wheel drive, high clearance vehicles can finish the route. 4 wheel drive may be needed if the road is wet or washed out. Keep a watch for slightly larger rocks scattered throughout the road.
Cellphone service was not available for most of the trip. We currently use Verizon.

As always, please tread lightly.

Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

1:
Trailhead
(0.0mi)

Approximately 15.1 miles on Mormon Well Road will lead to the turn for Pine Nut Road. It is on the left/west side of the road and has a very visible sign.

2:
Scenery
(0.1mi)

Here are some examples of the desert landscape to be seen from the trail.

3:
Weather Station
(1.3mi)

Just off the road, to the right/east is a weather monitoring station.

4:
Camping area
(2.5mi)

Just off the road to the right/east is a small somewhat flat area that can be used for camping.

5:
Old Weather Station
(3.5mi)

Off to the left/west of the road is the remnants of an older weather station.

6:
Old Weather Station
(4.8mi)

Off to the left/west of the road is the remnants of another older weather station.

7:
Weather Station
(6.1mi)

Just off the road, to the right/east is another weather monitoring station.

8:
Campground / Endpoint
(6.2mi)

Just after passing the weather station in the trees, the road opens up into a multiple spot camping area and is the end of the trail. There some nice views to be seen of the mountains and the plains below. The area can fit 5 vehicles and tents easily.

Access Issues

None.

Camping and Lodging

Open camping area at the end of the trail. Can easily fit 5 vehicles plus tents. Great views of the desert. All camping is primitive. No amenities. Camping is allowed in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge year round. Car camping is allowed within 50 feet of the road.

Questions & Answers

Trip Reports

Official Crew

Offroaded on
04-17-2016

Status:
Open

Conditions:
Sunny

Low Temperature:
60° F

High Temperature:
78° F

Mimi and I decided to get out of town for the day and check on the status of a few trails. We have had a lot of rain lately and wanted to make sure the trails were not damaged or closed due to the weather. So, we headed for the Desert National Wildlife Refuge and hit the trails for a fun day exploring the area.